Sydney offline Thursday March 20

[Waiters Friend]

G'day

The list of attendees seems to be close to completion - always room for more.

However, have we decided on venue, and more importantly, has it been booked?

In practice, I am asking for someone in Sydney to make the booking on behalf of the group, at probably McLeay St Bistro or Fix. I don't mind either way, as I am not a local. Let's finalise this one.

Cheers

Allan

[rooman]

I know I suggested Maclay St Bistro but like a couple of others on this thread whilst I love Fix a change might be nice. In terms of cab ride from the city, I doubt if its more than $10m. If you have time it would be an easy walk after a long day. I doubt it would be more than 15 mins if you can find the big stairs going up onto Victoria Rd. If we are going to go with this venue however we should book now. Its not large. I am happy contacting the restaurant if people are happy with the choice and we know the numbers. I'd suggest a cap at 10. After that the pours get quite small.

Wines?

[TiggerK]

Hi Rooman,

I think I speak for everyone by saying that we can lock in Maclay St Bistro for 10 people for Thurs 20 March, a 6.30 booking aiming for a sit down 7pm start? Given you know the place, would you mind making the booking rooman?

If people can indicate what wine style (bubbly/white/red/sticky) they are bringing, that will help others fill in gaps so we end up with a nice balanced lineup...

Waiters Friend
Polymer
TiggerK
Michael R - White Burg
Red Smurf
Griff
Rooman
Dave Vino
Krusty - Pinot Noir
redvelvet

[Krusty]

I will be bringing a 2012 Mayer "Doktor" Pinot Noir.

Looking forward to it !

[Michael R]

Nice one Krusty, have heard great things about these Pinots, looking forward to finally trying one
I'll bring a 09 Henri Boillot Meursault Les Perrieres.

Happy to call the restaurant and confirm a table (no answer when i tried earlier).

[rooman]

Michael I just called and gather you also called which is fine. We want to check what they are asked for the corkage. The person I spoke to mentioned $20 which I think is too high.Does anyone recall what Fix charges for corkage?

[Michael R]

Thanks Rooman

Yep,they also quoted me $20 per bottle. Did seem a touch high to me too.
Wasn't sure if you were up for organising hence gave them a quick call, but happy to leave the organising etc in your hands.

Cheers
Michael

[Polymer]

FSJ is 10/bottle but they'll negotiate as well. You might even ask Bistrode if they can do a per person thing instead....generally even groups of 10 don't have 10-15 bottles which is what we'll end up with.

Rocket does 10/person and that ends up being better. It isn't like they give us a glass per wine either...nor do they end up serving it...

[TiggerK]

I think fix is $15 a bottle these days, and they really push the sides and Addons so no bargain at all there. Would mcleay settle for $20 a head maybe ?

[dave vino]

Watts on Crown?

[Krusty]

Fan of Watts on Crown here, happy to change. $20 per bottle seems pretty steep.

[TiggerK]

Been a lot of debate as to how Watts will handle a bigger group. We went there with 6 and I was very very happy. Hard to see how 10 would become a massive drama considering the place was full anyway, but I'd like to suggest we give Mick the reins on Watts and see if he has a firm opinion or wants to call and book on our behalf (he is a fixture there, plus lives around the corner Mick, could they do us a long table upstairs against that long (south) wall??

Smurf may have had enough time to possibly forgive them for previous poor 'booking-related' form

[TiggerK]

I should add that I personally think that for good quality food in a CBD type location, that $20 a 'head' is perfectly fine with me.

$20 a bottle does get a bit rich though, mainly becuase I may want to bring a surprise wine or an extra bubbly, or even a half bottle of sticky etc..... what about a corked wine?

A negotiated '$ per head' option is ideal I reckon.

[Polymer]

I think if you call them ahead of time and explain the situation, they'll work out something per head that is fair. Works out for the group, works out for them as well...

I just think per bottle is silly when slow pokes like me end up putting stuff in my water glass .

[Michael R]

Ok, lets wait and see how rooman goes with macleay st bistro. Would prefer to go there as I haven't been for a while.
Agree, $20 per head corkage would be fine.

Also bistrode or verde possible CBD options.

I'm sure Watts will be no problem (so long as they haven't a function).
Certainly not ideal for 10, but we'll get looked after well.
Happy to orchestrate Watts if that's where this lands.

Looking forward to catching up with old and new.

What's everyone bringing ???

[Red Smurf]

Been a lot of debate as to how Watts will handle a bigger group. We went there with 6 and I was very very happy. Hard to see how 10 would become a massive drama considering the place was full anyway, but I'd like to suggest we give Mick the reins on Watts and see if he has a firm opinion or wants to call and book on our behalf (he is a fixture there, plus lives around the corner Mick, could they do us a long table upstairs against that long (south) wall??

Smurf may have had enough time to possibly forgive them for previous poor 'booking-related' form

Happy with Watts but prefer Macleay St as I haven't been there yet.
I think you should be able to negotiate on a Thur.
Fri and Sat nights is a different story.

[Michael R]

Ok crew, quick update on Macleay Bistro

Not sure how/if Rooman is progressing, but the manager has been calling & emailing me so i figure best just to keep the ball rolling....
He sent me the menu (3 courses for $80, inc cheese $95), and confirmed corkage of $20per bottle.

I replied asking whether a total cost of $110pp (inc 3 courses, tip & unlimited corkage) was accpetable.
Awaiting a repsonse.

Cant easily copy & paste the menu unfortuantely, but it looks decent.
Assume everyone's happy to confirm if Macleay give green light @$110pp. Hopefully hear something later today.
Otherwise i'll give Watts a tinkle, costs generally $100-$110pp.

Btw...just read a tasting note on the 09 Boillot Perrieres...(seems like a serious decant required) given i'll be going straight from work i might bring something else

[Michael R]

Macleay Bistro locked in.

~$110pp = $80 (3 courses from set menu) + $20 (unlimited corkage) + $10 (minimum 10% tip, more if merited)
Any coffees, sparkling water, cheeses etc will be extra.

Booked under 'Auswine' for 7pm start, so best to arrive at 6.30-7 for champers and a chat.

Let me know any dietary requirements and i'll send through.

See you next week

[dave vino]

Good work Mick.

At this stage put me down for a

1993 Wendouree Cab/Malbec a nice 21st Birthday for the wine.

[Red Smurf]

Thanks for sorting this Mick.
Will bring an old Bordeaux.

[TiggerK]

Rocking. Good work Mick, not sure what I'll bring yet though...

[rooman]

Ok crew, quick update on Macleay Bistro

Not sure how/if Rooman is progressing, but the manager has been calling & emailing me so i figure best just to keep the ball rolling....
He sent me the menu (3 courses for $80, inc cheese $95), and confirmed corkage of $20per bottle.

I replied asking whether a total cost of $110pp (inc 3 courses, tip & unlimited corkage) was accpetable.
Awaiting a repsonse.

Cant easily copy & paste the menu unfortuantely, but it looks decent.
Assume everyone's happy to confirm if Macleay give green light @$110pp. Hopefully hear something later today.
Otherwise i'll give Watts a tinkle, costs generally $100-$110pp.

Btw...just read a tasting note on the 09 Boillot Perrieres...(seems like a serious decant required) given i'll be going straight from work i might bring something else

Michael

Apologies for dropping the ball on this today but it seems well sorted. Since we have desert, I do have a 2002 Noble One I can bring along to cover the sweet end of the evening. It is quite drinkable.

Mark

[Michael R]

No worries at all Mark
Looking forward to catching up, and the Noble One sounds perfect.

[Waiters Friend]

Hello

I've come in late and presume we are still talking about McLeays. If it is 3 courses for $80, inc cheese $95, and corkage of $20 per PERSON (not per botlle) it might be reasonable. $20 per bottle anywhere in my humble opinion means we are targeting the wrong restaurants.

Cheers

Allan

[TiggerK]

Macleay Bistro locked in.

~$110pp = $80 (3 courses from set menu) + $20 (unlimited corkage) + $10 (minimum 10% tip, more if merited)
Any coffees, sparkling water, cheeses etc will be extra.

Booked under 'Auswine' for 7pm start, so best to arrive at 6.30-7 for champers and a chat.

Let me know any dietary requirements and i'll send through.

See you next week

It's $110 each, fixed cost, unless we go for coffees etc. There's always somewhere cheaper, but I'm happy we've chosen Macleay's as heard good things.

[Waiters Friend]

Hello again.

Some bad news, I'm afraid. Over the weekend, the boss has decided I am needed in Perth this week, and has cancelled my trip to Sydney (he and a few others are still going, though). That means I cannot be there on Thursday night, and will miss the offline.

This has happened once previously, but I promise I do not make a habit of it. Now, how to become dispensable at work (while still remaining employed)....

I was really looking forward to the event, and to meeting you (most for the first time). I'll have another go next time I am in Sydney. I hope you all have a really good night with some great wines and I look forward to a full report here on the forum.

Cheers

Allan

[TiggerK]

Massive Duh! Did you tell your boss that Sydney has organised a dinner with wines specifically in your honour? I suspect not Allan.

Well, Dave Vino and myself are still most keen to proceed as normal, if anyone wants to pull out, please post here ASAP as we had better let the restaurant know if numbers are dropping any further.

I think dingozegan mentioned he was keen, so I'll check if he wants the vacated spot.

Cheers
Tim

[rooman]

i'm good with my wee noble one

[Red Smurf]

I'm still in.
Think Dan was keen as well?

[griff]

It is looking like I need to do an early morning the following day. Not sure yet but for the sake of reservations I think I should withdraw now. Really want to try this restaurant as well! Sorry